UN releases $15 mln to people displaced by inter-communal violence

The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) yesterday released 15 million US dollars to urgently scale up humanitarian assistance to people affected by inter-communal violence in Ethiopia.
“Nearly one million people are displaced and require urgent help, especially during this rainy season,” said Secretary-General António Guterres, noting that releasing money from the CERF is one of the fastest ways to ensure aid reaches those who need it the most.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, new measures to bring unity and reconciliation have spurred great enthusiasm within the country and the enthusiastic support of the international community, Guterres said.
“However, the impact of inter-communal tensions presents a challenge for the new leadership. It is critical to act immediately,” he said.
CERF’s allocation will enable humanitarian partners to scale up life-saving assistance in support of the government-led response.
More than 36,600 people will receive urgent nutrition assistance; some 600,000 people will be supported with water, sanitation and hygiene service; around 71,200 households will receive non-food item kits and 175,000 people will benefit from extra healthcare services.
Established by the General Assembly in 2005 as a global fund ‘by all, for all,’ CERF has assisted hundreds of millions of people with more than $5 billion across 100 countries and territories.